Bullying all over the world has gone way too far. Over the last 2 decades the youth suicide rate has gone up more then it ever needed to. With more cases rapidly going up, people have decided to finally take awareness of the topic. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are very big contributors. Not only mental health, but at home life could be a big issue as well.
One of the most effective ways to prevent youth suicide is through early support. Schools and communities need to come together and help bring awareness. With teenagers spending most of their time at school, schools need to have a better support system.
There needs to be a safe and warm environment for not only students but others to feel more comfortable with sharing their feelings. Schools should also train staff to recognize signs and help those students as soon as possible.
Here is what Freshman Ela Johnson has to say about the topic: “Suicide is a serious issue, especially right now. With more and more teenagers committing it, it is extremely sad. You never know what someone is going through, so it’s best if you try putting yourself in their shoes. Before you know it, it might just be your friend struggling, so make sure to always check-in and make sure they are okay.”
Families and friends should also be actively involved in their lives. Being open and having better communication skills with your families will help out a lot.
Teenagers should be comfortable enough to open up to their parents and tell them about things. Many teens struggle with things like depression and anxiety. Friends should also be another shoulder to lean on when their friends are struggling. Teenagers tend to rely on—and be closer with—their friends at this age. Being more aware of the feelings of people around you can be a huge benefit in their lives.
Encouraging teenagers to be more open and build a stronger bond with the people around them can help prevent negative issues. Mental health is something that people need to take more seriously, especially in this generation. Access to more resources to a teenagers mental health can help save their lives. If you are ever struggling call the suicide prevention hotline, 988.